Shinjuku vs. Shibuya

I try to include both of Tokyo’s most famous districts in itineraries I plan for visitors to the city. Still, for many travelers, the question of Shinjuku or Shibuya still comes up.

My goal in writing this article is not to pit these neighborhoods against each other. I’m not going to declare that Shinjuku nightlife is better than what you find in Shibuya, or that you’ll have more luck finding crimp tools in a denkiya shop in Takashimaya Times Square than one in Tokyu Plaza Omotesando.

Likewise, while I won’t state definitively than Shibuya or Shinjuku is the best place to stay in Tokyo, I’ll recommend a variety of awesome hotels for both. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, however, so let’s get to it!

Are Shinjuku and Shibuya Similar?

Most travelers associate both of these neighborhoods with things to do in Tokyo at night. Namely, walking through Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area (Tokyo’s most famous red-light district) or through the so-called Shibuya Scramble, which is by some measures to world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. Apart from this, however, just how similar are Shinjuku and Shibuya?

In my opinion, they’re more like first cousins than identical twins.When you travel from Shinjuku to Shibuya (or vice-versa) on the Yamanote Line, you’ll feel a similar vibe upon emerging into each district, both of which are defined by larger-than-life railway stations, massive numbers of restaurant and retail outlets and at least as many busy commuters as photo-snapping tourists. Below, I’ll delve into some specific examples to illustrate this point.

Things to Do: Shinjuku vs Shibuya

Major Attractions in Shinjuku and Shibuya

The aforementioned nighttime activities notwithstanding, other core attractions in the Shibuya and Shinjuku areas have similarities. For example, while the target demographic of Shinjuku’s Golden Gai is a bit older than the teenager girls who favor Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, both streets evoke a similarly colorful energy.

Dining in Shinjuku vs Shibuya

Many of the best restaurants in Shinjuku (especially Michelin-starred ones like Kaiseki Komuro) tend to top lists of eateries in Tokyo as a whole, but Shibuya takes food seriously too. A personal favorite of mine is the HakusyuTeppanyaki restaurant, which serves up some of the tastiest Wagyu beef I’ve ever had in my life.

Is Shibuya or Shinjuku Shopping Better?

Whether you go electronics shopping at BIC Camera Shibuya or choosing one of the chain’s several Shinjuku outlets, neither of these Tokyo districts is short on retail therapy. Other notable shops include the massive Uniqlo location just south of Shinjuku station, and Shibuya 109, which might just be the most photographed department store in Tokyo.

Finding Serenity in Shinjuku or Shibuya

Whether you’re hanging out in Shinjuku or Shibuya, you don’t have to go-go-go along with everyone else. In Shibuya, you could take a stroll to the tranquil Meiji Shrine or, if you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, have a picnic under the petals in Yoyogi Park. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is also a good hanami spot, while you can find temples like Zenkoku-ji and Joen-ji within Shinjuku as well.

Shinjuku vs Shibuya Nightlife

In my opinion, while there are some fun bars in Shibuya, Shinjuku is a more interesting place to hang out at night. This is irrespective of whether you’re downing highballs in the Izakaya pubs of Omoide Yokocho (“Pissy Alley”), or partaking in the seedier establishments that dot Kabukicho. However, there are plenty of places to get your drink on in Shibuya, namely in Nonbei Yokocho ( “Drunkard’s Alley”).

Where to Stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya

It’s a toss-up as to whether Shibuya hotels are superior to those in Shibuya, but neither district is short on convenient and chic places to stay, and at all price points. Budget-minded travelers will love capsule hotels like Shinjuku’s Nine Hours and commun in Shibuya, while those with a little more to throw down might choose boutique properties such as Shinjuku Granbell Hotel, which is something of an analog to Shibuya’s Hotel Emit.

For high-luxury travelers, the question of Shibuya or Shinjuku is more clear-cut. While certain Shibuya properties (namely the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel) manage to exude opulence and exclusivity, far can live up the the reputation of Park Hyatt Shinjuku, if only because the New York Bar that crowns its rooftop is the most famous place to have cocktail in Tokyo.

The Bottom Line

Is Shinjuku or Shibuya right for you? I could answer this question—but I’d rather ask you a better one. Namely, how can you adjust your itinerary so that both of these neighborhoods fit neatly into it? I mean, why choose between a neon-lit stroll through Shibuya Scramble and a genki-sushi meal in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho section? There’s a reason Shinjuku and Shibuya are among the most popular places to visit in Tokyo—and I can’t wait for you to discover it.

About The Author

Robert Schrader is the author of 100 posts on Japan Starts Here. Robert created Japan Starts Here so the web would have a beautiful hub of Japan travel information and inspiration. He also runs the popular website Leave Your Daily Hell.

Japan Starts Here is information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. My name is Robert and I'm happy you're here!